Keying for connector systems

ABSTRACT

Keying may be used to indicate various features of cables, cable connectors, and/or equipment. The keying mechanisms of the connectors systems disclosed herein identifies whether each plug is a pinned plug or a pinless plug. The keying mechanisms disclosed herein identify the number of optical fibers terminated at each plug. For example, one type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plug manufactured under a 40 Gb/sec standard and another type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plug manufactured under a 100 Gb/sec standard. The keying mechanisms may indicate a cabling/wiring pattern to be used (e.g., indicates a polarity of the cable). The cables and/or plugs may be color coded based on the keying mechanism. Accordingly, the keying may alert a user to the features of the cable that are not readily apparent upon a cursory inspection.

CROSS-REFERENCE PARAGRAPH

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/681,503,filed Aug. 21, 2017, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.13/780,859, filed Feb. 28, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,739,971, whichapplication claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No.61/605,498, filed Mar. 1, 2012, and titled “Keying for MPO Systems,”which applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic communication systems have become increasingly more popularin recent years as fiber optic technology offers several advantages overthe conventional copper wire-based technology. For example, fiber opticcommunication systems provide substantially increased bandwidth,allowing large volumes of data to be transferred quickly over longdistances. Additionally, optical communication systems neither generatenor are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Fiber opticsystems not only are gaining acceptance as the backbone of many networksystems, but are also displacing copper wire technology as the preferredmedium for connecting various workstations to the network system.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, keying may be used toindicate various features of cables, cable connectors, and/or equipment.In some implementations, the keying mechanisms of the connector systemsdisclosed herein identify whether each plug is a pinned plug or apinless plug. In some implementations, the keying mechanisms of theconnector systems disclosed herein identify the number of optical fibersterminated at each plug. For example, one type of keying mechanism mayindicate a cable plug manufactured under a 40 Gb/sec standard andanother type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plug manufacturedunder a 100 Gb/sec standard. In some implementations, the keyingmechanisms may indicate a cabling/wiring pattern to be used (e.g.,indicates a polarity of the cable). In certain implementations, thecables and/or plugs may be color coded based on the keying mechanism.Accordingly, the keying may alert a user to the features of the cablethat are not readily apparent upon a cursory inspection. Tactile indiciaon the cable connector or cable can correspond to the respective keyingmechanisms, thereby enabling a user to determine features of the cable,connector, or equipment (e.g., pinned or pinless, polarity, number offibers terminated, etc.) without viewing the front of the connector(e.g., the connector ferrule).

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a first example MPO connectorsystem including a plug having a first key and a receptacle defining afirst slot in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example MPO receptacle;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a second example MPO connectorsystem including a plug having a second key and a receptacle defining asecond slot in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a block schematic diagram of an example fiber optic systemincluding couplers that may benefit from the keying system disclosedherein;

FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram of an example fiber optic systemincluding couplers and a cross-connect arrangement that may benefit fromthe keying system disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 is a block schematic diagram of an example fiber optic systemincluding cassette arrangements that may benefit from the keying systemdisclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a block schematic diagram of an example fiber optic systemincluding cassette arrangements and a cross-connect arrangement that maybenefit from the keying system disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 is a chart listing example equipment and features thereofincluding keying configurations in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a chart listing example cables and features thereof includingkeying configurations in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an example connector having first exampletactile indicia; and

FIG. 11 is a plan view of another example connector having secondexample tactile indicia.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of thepresent disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

In general, this disclosure is directed to a connector system thatprovides discriminating mating among similar, but different, plugs andreceptacles by using a system of geometrically matched connectorcomponents which allows certain combinations of plugs and receptacles(i.e., mating pairs) to mate while preventing other combinations frommating. In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the keyingmay be used to indicate various features of the cables. Accordingly, thekeying may alert a user to the physical features of the cable that arenot readily apparent upon a cursory inspection.

FIGS. 1-3 show two example connector systems 100, 130 that each includea receptacle 110, 140 and a corresponding plug 120, 150. Each receptacle110, 140 defines a through-passage having an inner surface 115, 145. Thethrough-passage extends between a first port and a second port. Thecorresponding plug 120, 150 may be received at one of the ports of thereceptacle 110, 140, respectively. Each of the plugs 120, 150 includes aferrule 125, 155 that holds at least one optical fiber. In the exampleshown, the plugs 120, 150 are MPO-type optical connectors and theferrules 125, 155 hold multiple optical fibers. It should be noted thatthe principles of the disclosure are applicable to single-fiberconnectors (e.g., SC-type, LC-type, LX.5-type, etc.).

In some implementations, one or both of the ferrules 125, 155 areconfigured to hold about eight optical fibers in a single row. In otherimplementations, one or both of the ferrules 125, 155 may be configuredto hold about twelve optical fibers in a single row. In otherimplementations, one or both of the ferrules 125, 155 may be configuredto hold about twenty-four optical fibers in two rows. In still otherimplementations, one or both of the ferrules 125, 155 may be configuredto hold a greater or lesser number of optical fibers in one or morerows. In general, a plug 120, 150 terminating a particular number ofoptical fibers should be mated to another plug 120, 150 terminating thesame number of optical fibers.

The inner surfaces 115, 145 of at least one port of each receptacle 110,140 defines a first geometry. A certain number of receptacles havedifferent first geometries. For example, the receptacle 110 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 has a different first geometry than the receptacle 140shown in FIG. 3. An exterior of each plug 120, 150 defines a secondgeometry. A certain number of plugs have different second geometries.For example, the plug 120 shown in FIG. 1 has a different secondgeometry than the plug 150 shown in FIG. 3.

In some implementations, each different first geometry of thereceptacles 110, 140 corresponds to one, and only one, second geometryof the plugs 120, 150 such that the plugs 120, 150 and receptacles 110,140 of corresponding first and second geometries are mating pairs.Therefore, the first and second geometries cooperate to allow onlycertain pairs of plugs 120, 150 and receptacles 110, 140 to mate (herein“mating pairs,” “mating plug and receptacle,” or “keyed pair”), whilephysically interfering for all other combinations of plugs 120, 150 andreceptacles 110, 140 (herein “non-limiting pairs,” “non-mating plugs andreceptacles” or “non-keyed pairs”), thereby preventing non-mating plugsand receptacles from effecting an optical or electrical coupling. Inother implementations, plugs or receptacles having universal keying(i.e., which may mate to all keys) can be produced.

The first and second geometries may embody any known keying mechanismthat discriminates between connector components. Such keying mechanismsinclude, for example, a key and slot relationship between the plug 120,150 and receptacle 110,140, a receptacle 110, 140 dimensioned to receiveonly certain sized or shaped plugs 120, 150, and even a magneticsignature for either attracting (for mating pairs) and repulsing(non-mating pairs). In some implementations, the keying mechanisminvolves just a slight modification to the plug 120, 150 and jack 110,140 such that essentially the same molds can be used to manufactureconnectors of different keyed pairs. Although molding is preferred, itis should be understood that other techniques for producing the firstand second geometries can be used including, for example, over moldingand machining.

In some implementations, the plugs 120, 150 and receptacles 110, 140 usea key and slot mechanism. For simplicity, the term “keying elements” asused herein refers collectively to the key and the slot. Specifically,the slot can be embodied in the first or second geometry and the key canbe embodied in the other geometry. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and3, the key 122, 142 is part of the second geometry of the plug 120, 150,while the slot 112, 142 is part of the first geometry of the receptacle110, 140. In certain implementations, the plugs 120, 150 and receptacles110, 140 also include one or more additional keys 128, 158 and slots118, 148, respectively. The combination of the first and second keysincreases the number of possible permutations within a given connectorsystem 100.

Some types of plugs 120, 150 and receptacles 110, 140 are keyed forrotational alignment (i.e., so the plug may be inserted in only onerotational orientation). This type of keying may be referred to aspolarization. For example, MPO-type plug connectors may include a keythat aligns with a slot in the receptacle. In certain implementations,the keying elements described herein refer to keying elements inaddition to the rotational alignment keys of the connector systems. Incertain implementations, the keying elements described herein refer tomodifications made to the rotational alignment keys of the connectorsystems. For example, in FIG. 2, the slot 112 of receptacle 110 includesa first portion that mates with a conventional rotational alignment keyand a second narrow portion that extends into the receptacle. As theterm is used herein, a “keyless” plug connector does not indicate thatthe plug connector is devoid of rotational alignment keys. Rather, theterm “keyless” indicates that the plug connector does not have anadditional or modified keying mechanism as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, MPO-type plug connectors 120, 150 have maleand female configurations adapted to be mated together. For example, theplug 120 shown in FIG. 1 includes alignment pins 124 (i.e., is a“pinned” connector) and the plug 150 shown in FIG. 3 defines alignmentholes 154 (i.e., is a “pinless” connector). To form an opticalconnection between the optical fibers terminated at the first plug 120and the optical fibers terminated at the second plug 150, the ferrules125, 155 are aligned by mating the pins 124 of the first plug 120 intothe holes 154 of the second plug 150. Damage can occur when a pinnedconnector is interfaced with another pinned connector. The opticalsignal (and hence system performance) may be poor when a pinlessconnector is interfaced with another pinless connector since theferrules may be misaligned. Also, damage can occur during mating of twopinless ferrules, two ferrules with different fiber counts, and/or twoferrules having different endface geometries.

In some implementations, the keying mechanisms of the connectors systemsdisclosed herein identifies whether each plug 120, 150 is a pinned plugor a pinless plug. In some implementations, the keying mechanisms of theconnectors systems disclosed herein identifies the number of opticalfibers terminated at each plug 120, 150. For example, one type of keyingmechanism may indicate a cable plug manufactured under a 40 Gb/secstandard and another type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plugmanufactured under a 100 Gb/sec standard. In some implementations, thekeying mechanisms may indicate a cabling/wiring pattern to be used(e.g., indicates a polarity of the cable). In certain implementations,the cables and/or plugs may be color coded based on the keyingmechanism.

Accordingly, the keying mechanism may be used to track and manage whichplugs 120, 150 should be inserted into what receptacles 110, 140. Tobetter illustrate the principles of the disclosure, a schema to befollowed when cabling an optical system will be described with referenceto four example systems. Following the example schema will result in asystem configuration that inhibits a user from attempting to mate twocomponents that should not be mated together. For example, cabling theoptical system based on the following rules will inhibit a user fromconnecting two pinned components (e.g., two plugs, a plug and atransceiver, etc.), two pinless components (e.g., two plugs), componentshaving different numbers of optical fibers (e.g., a 40 Gb/sec componentand a 100 Gb/sec component), components having different wiring patterns(a type-A plug and a type-B plug), etc.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate various implementations of a system configurationusing keyed plugs 120, 150 and receptacles 110, 140 to manage whichplugs 120, 150 should be inserted into what receptacles 110, 140. FIGS.4 and 5 show implementations of system configurations that includeconnections between a first optical coupler 202 and a second opticalcoupler 204. As the terms are used herein, an optical coupler 202, 204includes one or more adapters that are each configured to align andoptically connect a first optical plug connector to a second opticalplug connector. For example, in the optical system 200 of FIG. 4, eachcoupler 202, 204 connects a trunk cable 210 to one or more patchcords220, 230, which are routed to transceivers (TxRx) 206, 208,respectively. As the term is used herein, an optical transceiver is adevice that performs, within one chassis or housing, bothtelecommunication transmitting and receiving functions. The transceivermay communicate optical signals carried over cables totelecommunications or optical equipment (e.g., switches, routers, etc.).Accordingly, the optical system 200 optically couples the firsttransceiver 206 to the second transceiver 208.

Each patchcord 220, 230 extends between a first terminated end 222, 232and a second terminated end 224, 234. The first end 222, 232 of eachpatchcord 220, 230 is plugged into a port of the respective coupler 202,204. The second end 224, 234 of each patchcord 220, 230 is plugged intoa port of the respective transceiver 206, 208. In the example shown, atrunk cable 210 extends between the first coupler 202 and the secondcoupler 204. The trunk cable 210 has a first terminated end 212 and asecond terminated end 214. The first terminated end 212 is configured toplug into another port at the first coupler 202. The second terminatedend 214 is configured to plug into another port at the second coupler204.

In FIG. 5, one example optical system 250 includes a cross-connect 205that is optically positioned between the first and second couplers 202,204 of optical system 200. In the example shown, the cross-connect 205includes a first coupler 205 a and a second coupler 205 b. A first trunkcable 210 extends between the first coupler 205 a of the cross-connect205 and the first coupler 202. Another first trunk cable 210′ extendsbetween the second coupler 205 b of the cross-connect 205 and the secondcoupler 204. One or more cross-connect trunk cables 240 extend betweenthe first and second cross-connect couplers 205 a, 205 b. Accordingly,optical connections within the optical system 250 may be modified bychanging connections between the first and second cross-connect couplers205 a, 205 b.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show implementations of system configurations 300, 350that include connections between a first optical cassette arrangement302 and a second optical cassette arrangement 304. Each cassettearrangement 302, 304 includes one or more cassettes 303, 307,respectively. Each cassette 303, 307 includes internal circuitry (e.g.,cabling, optical splitters, wave division multiplexers, fanouts, etc.)that connects at least a first optical plug connector to at least asecond optical plug connector. For example, in the optical system 300 ofFIG. 6, each cassette arrangement 302, 304 connects a trunk cable 310 toone or more patchcords 320, 330, which are routed to transceivers (TxRx)306, 308, respectively.

Each patchcord 320, 330 extends between a first terminated end 322, 332and a second terminated end 324, 334. The first end 322, 332 of eachpatchcord 320, 330 is plugged into a port of the respective cassettearrangement 302, 304. The second end 324, 334 of each patchcord 320, 330is plugged into a port of the respective transceiver 306, 308. In theexample shown, the trunk cable 310 extends between the first coupler 302and the second coupler 304. The trunk cable 310 has a first terminatedend 312 and a second terminated end 314. The first terminated end 312 isconfigured to plug into another port at the first cassette arrangement302. The second terminated end 314 is configured to plug into anotherport at the second cassette arrangement 304. Accordingly, the opticalsystem 300 optically couples the first transceiver 306 to the secondtransceiver 308.

In FIG. 7, one example optical system 350 includes a cross-connect 305that is optically positioned between the first and second cassettearrangements 302, 304 of optical system 300. In the example shown, thecross-connect 305 includes a first coupler 305 a and a second coupler305 b. A first trunk cable 310 extends between the first coupler 305 aof the cross-connect 305 and the first cassette arrangement 302. Anotherfirst trunk cable 310′ extends between the second coupler 305 b of thecross-connect 305 and the second cassette arrangement 304. One or morecross-connect cables 340 extend between the first and secondcross-connect couplers 305 a, 305 b. Accordingly, optical connectionswithin the optical system 350 may be modified by changing connectionsbetween the first and second cross-connect couplers 305 a, 305 b.

One example keying schema applied to each of the four optical systemsdescribed above is provided in chart form in FIGS. 8 and 9. A chart 400of FIG. 8 lists the schema rules for various equipment or non-cablecomponents within an optical system. For example, FIG. 8 providesconfigurations for optical couplers, optical cassette arrangements,optical transceivers, and optical cross-connects.

As shown in FIG. 8, under the schema disclosed herein, transceivers(e.g., transceivers 206, 208 of FIGS. 4 and 5, transceivers 306, 308 ofFIGS. 6 and 7, etc.) are not keyed other than rotational alignment keys.Both the couplers (e.g., couplers 202, 204 of FIGS. 4 and 5) and thecassette arrangements (e.g., cassette arrangements 302, 304 of FIGS. 6and 7) have at least one keyed port and at least one non-keyed port.Each keyed port is configured to receive a plug with a matching key. Thenon-keyed port is configured to receive a plug that is not keyed otherthan for rotational alignment. The cross-connect (e.g., cross-connect205 of FIG. 5 and cross-connect 305 of FIG. 7) includes at least twokeyed ports.

In general, plugs routed to one side of the couplers 202, 204 aredirectly interfaced with plugs routed to another side of the coupler202, 204. For example, in FIG. 4, the first end 212 of the trunk cable210 is directly interfaced to the second end 222 of the first patchcord220. Because the couplers 202, 204 enable direct connections betweenplugs, the couplers 202, 204, themselves, are neither pinned norpinless. In other words, the ports of the couplers 202, 204 may receiveboth pinned and pinless plugs. Similarly, the cross-connects 205, 305also are neither pinned nor pinless.

In contrast, the cassette arrangements 302, 304 indirectly connect twoor more plugs via a cassette 303, 307, respectively. Each cassette 303,307 is configured to connect directly to two or more plugs. Accordingly,under the schema disclosed herein, both of the ports of the cassette303, 307 are pinned (i.e., configured to receive only non-pinnedconnectors). Under the schema, the receptacles of the transceivers 206,208, 306, 308 also are pinned (see the chart 400 of FIG. 8).

A chart 450 of FIG. 9 lists the configuration rules for various opticalcables within an optical system. Each cable listed in chart 450 extendsbetween a first plug connector (i.e., first terminated end) and a secondplug connector (i.e., a second terminated end). In general, the plugconnectors that are pinned are also keyed. The plug connectors that arepinless do not have a key. The key mechanism of each keyed end may varyso that the plug connector may be mated only with another plug or pieceof equipment having the same speed and cable pattern, and having theopposite male/female configuration as the plug connector. Eachconnectorized end also may be colored in accordance with the keyingconfiguration. In some implementations, the cable includes a jacket thatalso may be color-coded to indicate various features of the cable aswill be described herein.

A first cable 451 listed in chart 450 is a trunk cable having a type-Acabling pattern. The first cable 451 is configured for use as trunkcable 210, 210′ of FIGS. 4 and 5 and trunk cable 310, 310′ of FIGS. 6and 7. Both ends of the trunk cable 451 are not pinned and not keyed. Incertain implementations, both ends of the trunk cable 451 have a firstcolor C0. In some implementations, a jacket of the first cable 451 mayhave the same color C0 as the plugs terminating the ends of the cable451. In other implementations, the jacket of the first cable 451 mayhave a jacket color J1 that indicates that the cable is a trunk cable.In certain implementations, the colors of the plugs and/or the jacket ofa similar trunk cable having a type-B cabling pattern may change toindicate that the cable supports the type-B cabling pattern.

Second and third cables 452, 453 listed in the chart 450 are patchcordseach having a type-A cabling pattern. The second cable 452 is apatchcord configured in accordance with a 40 Gb/sec standard and,accordingly, has eight active optical fibers. The third cable 453 is apatchcord configured in accordance with a 100 Gb/sec standard and,accordingly, has twenty active optical fibers. Otherwise, the patchcords452, 453 are identical. Both the second cable 452 and the third cable453 are configured for use as any of patchcords 220, 230 of FIGS. 4 and5.

A first end of each patchcord 452, 453 is pinned and a second end ofeach patchcord 452, 453 is not pinned. For example, as shown in FIG. 4,the first end 222, 232 of each patchcord 220, 230 is pinned to interfacewith the pinless end 212, 214, respectively, of the trunk cable 210. Thesecond end 224, 234 of each patchcord 220, 230 is pinless to interfacewith the pinned transceiver 206, 208. As noted above, the pinless plugof the patchcords 452, 453 is not keyed. The pinned plug of thepatchcords 452, 453 is keyed. The key mechanism K1 of the firstpatchcord 452 differs from the key mechanism K2 of the second patchcord453 to distinguish the number of fibers in each cable.

In certain implementations, the pinless, keyless plug of each patchcord452, 453 may have the same color. In the example shown in FIG. 9, thiscolor may also match the color C0 of the pinless, keyless plug of thetrunk cable 451. In such implementations, this color C0 may indicate anyplug that is both pinless and keyless. In other implementations,however, the pinless, keyless plug of the patchcords 452, 453 may have adifferent color than the trunk cable plug to indicate that the plugterminates a patchcord. The pinned, keyed plug of the first patchcord452 may have a color C1 that differs from a color C2 of the pinned,keyed plug of the second patchcord 453 to distinguish the two types ofcables. The colors C1, C2 of the pinned, keyed plugs of both patchcords452, 453 differ from the color C0 of the pinless, keyless plug.

The patchcord 452 also may have a jacket color J2 that differs fromjacket color J1 to indicate that the cable is a patchcord and not atrunk cable. In some implementations, the jacket color J2 may differfrom any of the plug colors C0, C1, C2. In other implementations, thejacket color J2 may match one of the plug colors C0, C1, C2. In certainimplementations, the colors of the plugs and/or the jacket of similarpatchcords having a type-B cabling pattern may change to indicate thatthe cable supports the type-B cabling pattern. In certainimplementations, the key mechanism K1, K2 of each cable 452, 453 alsomay change to indicate the cabling pattern.

A fourth cable 454 listed in chart 450 is a cross-connect (i.e., XConn)trunk cable having a type-A cabling pattern. The fourth cable 454 isconfigured for use as cross-connect trunk cable 240, 340 of FIGS. 5 and7. Both ends of the cross-connect trunk cable 454 are pinned and keyed.In some implementations, both ends have the same keying mechanism K3. Insuch implementations, both ends have the same plug color C3 to identifythe keying mechanism K3. In other implementations, however, the firstend may have a different keying mechanism than the second end. In suchimplementations, each plug connector may have a different color.

In some implementations, the keying mechanism K3 of the fourth cable 454differs from the keying mechanisms K1, K2 of the patchcords 452, 453. Inother implementations, however, fourth cable 454 may share a keyingmechanism with one of the patchcords 452, 453. In some implementations,a jacket of the fourth cable 454 may have a color J3 that differs fromthe color J1 of the first cable 451 to distinguish a cross-connect trunkcable from a non-cross-connect trunk cable. Accordingly, a user will notattempt to plug a pinned end of a cross-connect trunk cable into thepinned end of a patchcord 452, 453. Rather, the color J3 of the jacketuser will alert the user that the cable is pinned at both ends since itis a cross-connect patchcord. In certain implementations, the colors ofthe plugs and/or the jacket of a similar cross-connect trunk cablehaving a type-B cabling pattern may change to indicate that the cablesupports the type-B cabling pattern.

Fifth and sixth cables 455, 456 listed in the chart 450 are patchcordseach having a type-A cabling pattern. The fifth cable 455 is a patchcordconfigured in accordance with a 40 Gb/sec standard and, accordingly, haseight active optical fibers. The sixth cable 455 is a patchcordconfigured in accordance with a 100 Gb/sec standard and, accordingly,has twenty active optical fibers. Otherwise, the patchcords 455, 456 areidentical. Both the fifth cable 455 and the sixth cable 456 areconfigured for use as any of patchcords 320, 330 of FIGS. 6 and 7.

Both ends of the fifth and sixth patchcords 455, 456 are pinless.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the pinless first end 322, 332 of eachpatchcord 320, 330 interfaces with the pinned end of the cassette 303,307 of the respective cassette arrangement 302, 304. The second end 324,334 of each patchcord 320, 330 is pinless to interface with the pinnedtransceiver 306, 308. In some implementations, the plugs of thepatchcords 455, 456 are pinless following the general rule stated above.In the example shown, however, one of the plugs of each patchcord 455,456 is keyed to mate with a keyed receptacle of the respective cassettearrangement 302, 304. In some such implementations, the key mechanism K4of the patchcord 455 differs from the key mechanism K5 of the patchcord456 to distinguish the number of fibers in each cable 455, 456.

In certain implementations, the pinless, keyless plug of each patchcord455, 456 may have the same color. In the example shown in FIG. 9, thiscolor may also match the color C0 of the pinless, keyless plug of thepatchcords 452, 453. In other implementations, however, the pinless,keyless plug of the patchcords 455, 456 may have a different color thanthe patchcords 452, 453 to indicate that both ends are pinless. Thekeyed plug of the fifth cable 455 may have a color C4 that differs froma color C5 of the keyed plug of the sixth cable 456 to distinguish thetwo types of cables. The colors C5, C6 of the keyed plugs of bothpatchcords 455, 456 differ from the color C0 of the pinless, keylessplug. In certain implementations, the colors C5, C6 of the keyed plugsof both patchcords 455, 456 differ from the colors C1, C2 of the pinned,keyed plugs of the patchcords 452, 453.

In some implementations, both patchcords 455, 456 have the same jacketcolor J4 to indicate that they are patchcords (as opposed to trunkcables). In certain implementations, the jacket color J4 differs fromthe jacket colors J1, J3 of the trunk cables 451, 454 to distinguish thefifth and sixth cables 455, 456 as patchcords. In certainimplementations, the jacket color J4 differs from the jacket color J2 ofthe patchcords 452, 453 to distinguish the fifth and sixth cables 455,456 as patchcords configured to plug into cassette arrangements (orother indirect connections) instead of couplers (or other directconnections). In certain implementations, the colors of the plugs and/orthe jacket of similar patchcords having a type-B cabling pattern maychange to indicate that the cable supports the type-B cabling pattern.

The example charts 400, 450 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are provided only forillustrative purposes. Modifications could be made to the schema inkeeping with the principles of the disclosure. For example,cross-connect cables 454 may have different keying to distinguish thecables by speed (i.e., fiber count). Patchcords 452, 453, 455, 456 andcross-connect cables 454 also may have additional keying implementationsto distinguish cables configured for 10 Gb/sec or any other speed.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, one or more cables(e.g., trunk cables, patchcords, etc.) may include tactile indicia thatcorrespond to the respective keying mechanisms of the cable.Accordingly, a user can touch the tactile indicia to determine features(e.g., pinned or pinless, polarity, number of fibers terminated, etc.)without viewing the keying region of the cable connector. In certainimplementations, a user can use the tactile indicia to determine thecable features while the connector is plugged into a receptacle.

In some implementations, the tactile indicia are disposed on theconnector plug terminating the cable. In certain implementations, thetactile indicia are located towards a rear of the connector plug. Inother implementations, the tactile indicia are disposed on the strainrelief for the connector plug. In still other implementations, thetactile indicia can be disposed on the adapter or adapter panelconfigured to receive the connector plug. In some implementations, thetactile indicia can be formed with the connector plug or adapter (e.g.,molded, stamped, etc.).

In other implementations, the tactile indicia can be added after theinitial formation of the plug or adapter (e.g., cut, etched, etc.). Incertain implementations, the tactile indicia can be added in the field.For example, the tactile indicia can be added as an adhesive-backedsticker, a snap-on tab, or other such add-on part. In certainimplementations, the tactile indicia could be removable to accommodate anetwork reconfiguration to migrate data rates, media, etc.

The tactile indicia can include one or more protrusions (e.g., bumps)and/or depressions. In certain implementations, multiple tactile indiciacan form unique patterns that are associated with the specific keyingmechanism on the connector. In some implementations, the tactile indiciacan differentiate between various features based on the size, shape,number, and/or location of the indicia or pattern. For example, theshape of a protrusion or depression could be varied in two or threedimensions (e.g., round, square, spherical, cubical, dodecahedral,etc.).

In an example, a large bump may indicate a multimode cable and a smallbump may indicate a single mode cable. In an example, a single bump mayindicate a twelve fiber cable and two bumps may indicate a twenty-fourfiber cable. In an example, a bump disposed towards a left side of theconnector may indicate a first polarity and bump disposed towards aright side of the connector may indicate a second polarity. In anexample, a bump disposed at a top of the connector may indicate an anglepolished connector (APC) and a bump disposed at a bottom of theconnector may indicate an Ultra-Physical Contact (UPC) connector. In anexample, a lack of tactile indicia may indicate a standard connector.

For example, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate two example connectors 500, 550having different examples of tactile indicia 510, 560. Each connector500, 550 terminates an optical fiber or cable 501, 551, respectively.Both connectors 500, 550 include plug bodies 502, 552 holding opticalferrules 504, 554, respectively. Strain relief boots 506, 556 extendsfrom the plug bodies 502, 552, respectively. In the examples shown, theconnectors 500, 550 are MPO-type connectors. In other implementations,however, the connectors 500, 550 can be any desired type of connector(e.g., an LC-type connector, an SC-type connector, and LX.5-typeconnector, etc.).

The first connector 500 includes the tactile indicia 510 disposed on theplug body 502. The tactile indicia 510 includes a single bump ordepression 512 shaped like a flat circle or a hemisphere. The bump ordepression 512 is located at a central location at a rear of the plugbody 502. The tactile indicia 510 can indicate one or more features ofthe connector 500 and/or cable 501. For example, the single bump ordepression 512 can indicate that the cable 501 has twelve fibers. Thecircular or spherical shape of the bump or depression 512 can indicatethat the connector 500 is pinless. The central location can indicatethat the connector is an APC. In other implementations, these indiciafeatures may indicate other information about the connector 500.

The second connector 550 includes the tactile indicia 560 disposed onthe strain-relief portion 556 of the connector 550. The tactile indicia560 includes two elongated bumps or depressions 562, 564. The first bumpor depression 562 is located towards one side of the connector 550 andthe second bump or depression 564 is located towards another side of theconnector 550. The tactile indicia 560 can indicate one or more featuresof the connector 550 and/or cable 551. For example, the two bumps ordepressions 562, 564 can indicate that the cable 551 has twenty-fourfibers. The elongated shape of the bumps or depressions 562, 564 canindicate that the second connector 550 is pinned. In otherimplementations, these indicia features may indicate other informationabout the connector 550.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A plug to be inserted into a receptacle having a first geometry, theplug comprising: a ferule that holds at least one optical fiber; a bodyhaving an exterior with a second geometry that corresponds to the firstgeometry such that the first and second geometries are mating pairs, thesecond geometry including a keying mechanism that identifies the numberof the optical fibers terminated at the plug.
 2. The plug as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the keying mechanism includes a key.
 3. The plug asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the keying mechanism is part of a rotationalalignment key of the plug.
 4. The plug as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe plug is color coded based on the keying mechanism.
 5. The plug asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the plug terminates a patchcord.
 6. The plugas claimed in claim 1, wherein the plug includes tactile indicia thatcorrespond to the keying mechanism.
 7. The plug as claimed in claim 6,wherein the tactile indicia enable the user to determine the number offibers terminated by the plug even when the plug is received in thereceptacle.
 8. The plug as claimed in claim 1, wherein the keyingmechanism is disposed at a front of the body.
 9. An optical systemhaving a keying mechanism, the optical system comprising: a firstcoupler including at least a first coupler port and a second couplerport, the second coupler port of the first coupler forming part of thekeying mechanism; and a first patchcord extending between a first endterminated by a first connector and a second end terminated by a secondconnector, the first patchcord including a plurality of fibers, thefirst connector of the first patchcord forming a second part of thekeying mechanism so that the first connector of the first patchcordplugs into the second coupler port of the first coupler, the keyingmechanism identifying an amount of the optical fibers terminated at thefirst connector.
 10. The optical system of claim 9, further comprising:a second coupler including at least a first coupler port and a secondcoupler port, the second coupler port of the second coupler forming partof a respective keying mechanism; and a second patchcord having a firstconnector and a second connector, wherein the second connector of thesecond patchcord forms another part of the keying mechanism of thesecond coupler port of the second coupler so that the second connectorof the second patchcord plugs into the second coupler port of the secondcoupler.
 11. The optical system of claim 10, wherein the keyingmechanism of the first coupler is a first keying mechanism and thekeying mechanism of the second coupler is a second keying mechanism thatis different from the first keying mechanism.
 12. An optical connectorfor terminating an optical cable, the optical connector comprising: aconnector body holding a ferrule accessible from a front of theconnector body; a keying mechanism disposed at the front of theconnector body, the keying mechanism identifying an amount of opticalfibers terminated at the optical connector; and a tactile indiciadisposed at a rear of the connector body, the tactile indicia beingassociated with the keying mechanism to uniquely identify the keyingmechanism.